Robot Expo Korea 2012 attracted more than 20,000 visitors last week in the city of Gwanju. Around 1,600 students from elementary, middle and high schools competed in the 14th International Robot Olympiad. There were robot soccer, dance, and design competitions. In addition a trade fair took place where a total of 47 companies presented their products and technology, including vacuum cleaners, artificial fish, rovers, agricultural robots and educational kits.

To be honest there isn’t much to report, since there were few humanoids on display other than the Robotis DARwIn-OP and Robobuilder kits. However, one new guide robot made an appearance. It was developed by Junsung E&R (a company formed in 2005 that specializes in renewable energy technology), and bears a striking resemblance to a certain Pixar robot character.

Hm… Robots don’t appear to be the company’s strong suit. Not that it matters; South Korea is overflowing with simple guide robots as it is! A selection of photos is tucked after the break.

"We are of the Mighty Atom generation, and we were brought up looking at Atom in comics and animation, so it just seemed like it would be a great deal of fun to create something that can walk." - Ryozo Kato